McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team concluded its six-game spring break trip in California with victories over Case Western Reserve University and Bethel University on March 10. The Titans, now holding a 4-2 record, defeated the second-ranked Case Western 4-2 before winning against Bethel 9-1 in five innings.

The win against Case Western marks the first top-five victory for the Titans since defeating Berry at last season's NFCA Leadoff Classic.

In the first game against Case Western, senior Jen Kuhn delivered a strong performance with three hits out of four at-bats. Junior Gianna Certa pitched all seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, securing her second win of the season. Sophomore Hailey Milgazo also contributed with two hits in her home state.

The Titans trailed initially but gained momentum in the third inning with key plays from Milgazo and junior Anna Beckman. Freshman Bella Pinter and Kuhn added to the score, giving Illinois Wesleyan a lead they maintained through Certa's pitching.

In their game against Bethel, freshman Maddie Pool achieved her first career win by holding Bethel to one unearned run over five innings. Pool also hit a double in her first plate appearance. The team's offense recorded a season-high of 14 hits, with multiple players achieving multi-hit games.

Kuhn led with three RBIs while Pinter drove in two runs. Contributions from Beckman, Wissmiller, Khoury, and Pool further supported the offensive effort. Despite an early run by Bethel, Illinois Wesleyan quickly responded and maintained control throughout the game.

Illinois Wesleyan will continue their road games with an upcoming doubleheader at Monmouth College scheduled for March 18.